Killer Giants stalk BMC

TSHEPO MOLWANEbr>Staff Writer | Friday July 13, 2007 00:00

 

The game will be the last of a Coke Cup triple-header scheduled for the ground on the day. With Killer Giants being the home side, it is expected that thousands of fans from the Ramotswa community will pack the ground. In the last two editions of the lucrative tournament, Killer Giants alias 'Sebatana' have shown little respect for Premier League opponents. Some of the sides who can pay testimony to this are Township Rollers who had to fight tooth and nail to win 3-2 and book a place in the quarterfinals in 2005. Last year, BDF XI suffered a serious scare before settling for a 2-1 win. 

These should be a warning to BMC. The other thing which Ezinkomo and their supporters should expect in Ramotswa is the intimidating crowd. 'Sebatana' supporters usually lift the spirits of their heroes when the going gets tough.

After a not-so-impressive 1-0 win against Kumakwane Checkers in the last round, Killer Giants have promised to put a better performance and book a place in the last 16. It was Dikabelo Moube's strike which booked the Ramotswa side a date with BMC. 'We struggled against Checkers because we underrated them. I think we'll fare well against BMC because pressure will be on them,' said Killer Giants' ace Donald 'Coach' Mopako.

He told Mmegi Sport that BMC are a closed book to them though he believes that they will match them pound for pound. Mopako said that they will not be intimidated by the big name players in the BMC squad. 'I plead with our supporters to rally behind us. Even when the chips are down, they should not lose faith as we'll come tops at the end of 90 minutes,' he promised.

All Killer Giants' players are available for selection except for Moube whose whereabouts are not known. But Mopako was confident that the youngster would show up for training yesterday. Besides Mopako, some of the players who can spur 'Sebatana' to victory are Trevor Moiseraele, Tebogo Letsomane and Thatayaone Bagoleng. At the back, Kefitile Magama and Boyce Makaka will have to be the men to thwart BMC forwards.

BMC assistant coach Keitumetse 'Pio' Paul told Mmegi Sport yesterday that they are geared up for the match. 'The players have been responding well in training and I'm happy with that. We've brought in some new players who will give us an edge,' said Paul who joined the Lobatse side recently from Flamengo Santos. He added that it will be important for them to accord Killer Giants the necessary respect as cup games are unpredictable.

 
'I encourage fans to come in large numbers because we'll play an entertaining game,' he said.
BMC who have lost three key players, Edwin Moalosi, Thebe Maiketso and Mmusa Ohilwe to Township Rollers and Otlaadisa Mohambi to neighbours Lobtrans Gunners, are expected to field their new signings Kenanao Kgetholetsile (ex-BDF XI) and Bobo Motlhalane (ex-Jwaneng Comets).

Some of the players expected to lead BMC to victory are Modise '10-10' Motswadi, Mosimanegape Ramohibidu and Sekgabo Molebatsi. Under-23 international Tumisang Sekanonyana is out with an injury.

At 10am, the Siga Ground will host the game between Security Systems and Premier League side Nico United.
After posting a good performance against Kgabosetso FC in the last round, Systems should be confident of giving Majombolo a scare. Gomolemo Ramaabya and Fire Matlhare are some of the key men in Systems. Nico coach Madinda Ndlovu will be hoping that Systems do not spoil the party.

 
Immediately after the Systems-Nico game, Premier League champions ECCO City Greens will battle it out with Masitaoka from Molepolole. Masitaoka were awful at the back in the last round and if they have not rectified their mistakes, they could be in for a hiding against ECCO.